This pilot project is one of the few that address click here the need for implementing evidence-based interventions in communities with diverse cultural backgrounds. However, findings are consistent with a recent study that shows that it is feasible to implement a Tai Ji Quan program among socioeconomically disadvantaged and mixed-ethnicity community-dwelling older adults, and it can be effective in improving health-related outcomes.11 A strength of this project was that it was implemented in a real world setting by community practitioners who serve older adults, the target group for TJQMBB. This is also one of the first reported community-based efforts that systematically documented the process and
progress of TJQMBB implementation with non-English speaking older adults. However, there were also limitations. First, because it was community-based dissemination project, the pilot study did not have SAHA HDAC in vivo the same degree of scientific rigor as a formal research project in the planning and monitoring of various aspects of the project operation such as recruitment, enrollment, and outcome evaluation. Another limitation is that no information
about the incidence of falls among participants was collected, which may be relevant given the program focus on prevention of falls. Finally, since specific organizations were targeted for participation, the degree to which this community uptake approach is generalizable to other communities would need further evaluation. Throughout the implementation period, the project received great interest and support from the participating organizations. These included the Lao Advancement Organization of America, Korean Service Center, United Cambodian Association of Minnesota, VOA/Park Elder Center (Hmong), Vietnamese Social Services, and Common Bond Communities (predominantly Somali and Oromo). At the end of the pilot study, all of the participating organizations expressed interest in continuing the program and, in several cases, Sodium butyrate indicated they would do so without any financial support as it had become a key component of their community
offerings. While successful, lessons were learned from the implementation process and qualitative observations. For example, our observations indicate that bilingual leaders were able to learn the program and deliver it effectively to participating older adults in their communities in their native language, although with considerable variability in skill level. Further interactions with leaders at the end of the project suggested that previous knowledge of Tai Ji Quan was not a critical determining factor for successful program delivery. However, it was noted that previous experience in working with older adults, particularly leading older adults in physical activities, was very helpful in teaching and managing class activities.